Head of Compliance - SMF16 (International Bank)

Head of Compliance - SMF16 (International Bank)

Head of ComplianceLocation: London - 5 days/week in office

A prestigious international bank in London is seeking a Head of Compliance to provide expert advisory support to senior management, ensuring the organisation's activities are fully aligned with UK regulatory requirements and global standards. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape compliance strategy at the highest level, working closely with business units to embed robust frameworks and foster a culture of integrity throughout the institution. You will be instrumental in guiding new products and services from inception to launch, ensuring all regulatory obligations are met while supporting business growth. The position provides an exceptional platform for you to lead a knowledgeable team, influence strategic decisions, and act as the primary contact for key regulatory bodies. With a focus on continuous improvement, this role promises both challenge and reward within a supportive and collaborative environment.

• Play a central role in shaping compliance strategy for a leading international financial institution, influencing decision making at the highest levels and ensuring alignment with both UK and overseas regulatory requirements.
• Lead and nurture a dedicated compliance team, overseeing policy development, risk assessment programmes, and comprehensive training initiatives that empower staff across the organisation.
• Enjoy significant exposure to senior stakeholders, governance committees, and external regulatory authorities, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and ambassador for compliance excellence.

What you'll do

• Provide advisory support to senior management on complex compliance matters, emerging risks, and evolving regulatory expectations to ensure informed decision making across the organisation.
• Guide business units on interpreting regulations and fulfilling compliance obligations by offering clear direction on best practices and legal requirements.
• Participate actively in strategic planning processes to ensure that compliance considerations are embedded into new products, services, and initiatives from their earliest stages.
• Deliver regular management information (MI) reports to senior leadership, assuring them that all business activities adhere strictly to UK regulatory standards as well as relevant overseas requirements.
• Oversee the ongoing development and implementation of the organisation's compliance framework, ensuring policies and procedures are robustly designed, documented, monitored, and regularly reviewed.
• Lead the Compliance department with full awareness of all procedures, managing resources effectively to meet departmental objectives while nurturing professional growth within your team.
• Act as Whistleblowing Officer with responsibility for maintaining effective whistleblowing arrangements and investigating suspected breaches of internal or external requirements.
• Ensure comprehensive compliance training is provided to all staff through a blend of e learning modules, instructor led sessions, and external courses tailored to individual needs.
• Serve as primary contact for regulatory authorities such as the PRA, FCA, Bank of England, and liaise with Head Office on all matters relating to compliance oversight.
• Represent Compliance at governance committees-including chairing forums-and contribute expertise at trade associations or other industry events.

What you bring

Your background should demonstrate extensive experience in UK banking compliance-ideally gained within wholesale or investment banking settings-where you have operated at a senior level such as SMF16. You bring not only technical expertise but also an ability to communicate complex concepts clearly across diverse audiences. Your approach is grounded in collaboration; you thrive when working together with others towards common objectives. Experience managing teams is essential: your nurturing leadership style supports professional growth while maintaining high standards. You possess strong analytical abilities that help you identify risks early on and implement effective solutions. A commitment to ongoing learning ensures your knowledge remains current amidst evolving regulations. Above all else, your integrity inspires confidence among colleagues who depend on your guidance for navigating challenging situations.

• Demonstrated experience in UK compliance within wholesale or investment banking environments is essential for success in this position.
• A proven track record operating at SMF16 level or equivalent senior compliance oversight function is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FCA and PRA handbooks alongside familiarity with industry guidance ensures you can navigate complex regulatory landscapes confidently.
• A deep understanding of banking products coupled with practical insight into how they interact with legal obligations is required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills enable you to engage persuasively with colleagues at all levels as well as external stakeholders.
• Experience managing teams effectively-including setting objectives, conducting appraisals, and developing talent-is vital for building a high performing department.
• Ability to create detailed systems and processes that withstand scrutiny from both internal audit functions and external regulators is crucial.
• Professional compliance qualifications (such as ICA or equivalent) are preferred but not mandatory if supported by substantial practical experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills allow you to foster trust based relationships across departments while promoting an inclusive culture focused on shared goals.

What sets this company apart

This international financial institution stands out for its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity while fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. Employees benefit from access to comprehensive training opportunities designed to enhance both technical expertise and personal development. The organisation values inclusivity-encouraging input from all team members regardless of seniority-and places great emphasis on transparent communication between departments. As part of a global network, you will enjoy exposure to best practices from around the world while contributing meaningfully at the local level. The supportive leadership team prioritises work life balance through flexible working opportunities wherever possible. Joining this institution means becoming part of a community where your contributions are recognised and your career aspirations are genuinely supported.

What's next

If you are ready to take your career in compliance oversight to new heights within an esteemed international bank, this is your moment-apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to connecting with talented professionals who share our passion for responsible banking.